Things are a bit calmer this week around the National Capital Region, but then again there’s still no shortage of events taking place. As always, there’s tons of stuff happening, and this is just a selection of highlights for the days ahead. For more information on each of these events, simply click on the poster or image associated with the event.
This Wednesday, May 1, the Ottawa Proletarian Revolutionary Action Committee invites you to partake in May Day at Babylon Nightclub. May Day, also known as International Workers Day, aims to celebrate the struggles and successes that workers of the world have embraced and fought for. The evening will feature live performances by anti-capitalist artists such as Jeremy Owen, Loon Choir, Jesse Dangerously and more.
Also on Wednesday, May 1, DNA Presents invites you to a pre-Escapade music event featuring Showtek at LS Live. The EDM duo from Holland will be giving a live set alongside opening guests Mister Parker and Joe Rowe for the first of many Escapade Music Festival Pre-Parties that will take place between now and June 29.
If you’re into that new crunk-bass sound, syrupy chops and screws, and trap, be sure to head to Ritual to catch Low Limit of Lazer Sword and Time Wharp. The two DJ/producers from LA will be in Ottawa as part of their US/Canada Spring Tour. This is a great opportunity to get familiar with new genres of electronic music.
This Friday, May 3 is the monthly edition of Tropikalo, a night of dancing to the best in afro/latin/carribean/tropical sounds. The monthly event, recently relocated to the Mercury Lounge, will feature music selected by DJs Zattar, Trevor Walker and Lance Baptiste. If you want to dance the night away to contagious rhythms this Friday, this is the place to be.
This month, Tropikalo has some competition with regards to owning dancefloor sounds because Reminisce Volume 2 is also going down on Friday, May 3 at Ritual. The annual event, organized by Wotless Crew will feature DJs Selekta Shellz, Sweet Chunes, Gazza 3.0, Redy and Star Skeebo playing the best in Reggae, Soca, Dancehall, R&B and Hip Hop.
This Saturday, May 4, Kapacity, Straight Goods, TheKnwldg.com and Good Problems join forces to present Keys N Krates live at Babylon Nightclub. The Dim Mak trio from Toronto will be in the National Capital City alongside special guests Thugli, a duo composed of DJs Drastik and Tom Wrecks, also based out of Toronto. Keys N Krates are known for their unique style which blends rap beats, trap and electronic music live.
This Saturday, May 4, DNA Presents invites you to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Era with a live DJ set by Ariyan. The house and electro DJ will be giving a live set as part of the Privé series, which prides itself in presenting big DJs in small venues such as Era.
Other noteworthy events happening this week in the National Capital include Fau Mardi featuring DJ Antoine McLanny of Speakerlover Records this Tuesday, April 30 at the Petit Chicago.
Also at the Petit Chicago this Wednesday, May 1, Snow Beach Entertainment presents the first installment of its EDM Series featuring House, Trap and Electro music selected by DJ AK & DJ NYSE.
On Thursday, May 2, there will be a Pop Up DJ Record Shop presented by The Girlfriends at Raw Sugar Cafe. If you’re looking for specific vinyls or if you simply want to enrich your growing collection, you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity. Some of Ottawa’s favorite DJs will be selling their vinyl records and there will be a listening station to allow you to preview the goods.
This Friday, May 3, check out the May edition of Frenzy with Iggy Smalls and Foster at Babylon. If you have tickets for the Keys N Krates show, you get a complimentary entrance to this event courtesy of the good people at Straight Goods Music.
Last but certainly not least, art aficionados won’t want to miss Art Battle Ottawa taking place this Sunday, May 5 at the Arts Court. This unique concept organized across Canadian cities, brings 12 painters together for a live painting competition. For its first time in Ottawa, Art Battle will feature live creations by Hamid Ayoub, Erica Taylor, Margo Bennetto, Andre-Marc Pierre, Omar Hopkinson , Lukasz Bober, Mark Stephenson , Cristian S. Aluas, and Peter Akiki.
So there you have it Ottawa-Gatineau, these are my suggestions of events for the days ahead. Be sure to check out some of the things happening around the city and enjoy your week in our eventful capital!